Soon, Japan-aided hospice for HIV-affected in Madurai

The building had been constructed by RUSS foundation, an NGO based in Madurai and working for the welfare of HIV-affected, at Chathirappatti village near Madurai. Representatives from the Madurai Diocese and Counsul-General of Japan would also be present at the inauguration.

Berlin Jose, Founder/Director, RUSS foundation, said that the organisation was begun 25 years ago and for the last 20 years they have been working with HIV-affected, sex workers, transgenders and homosexuals.

They are also closely working with 900 PLHIV in Madurai, Thoothukudi and Theni districts. He said that in the last 10 years, 19 couple, both with HIV, had married and out of them 16 of them have children (not infected with HIV).

Around 20 girls who were infected with HIV are now degree holders, 38 are either married or settled and around 160 children, including 120 girls, have benefited from the NGO.

Presently, there are 30 children affected by HIV in the home and out of them, six are pursuing a degree at the university.